Alex McCurthy
Thomas Tuchel being the latest appointment for the new England manager has thrown England up in an ocean of speculations and questions. One of the most intriguing aspects of this appointment has been that high-profile English managers, such as Eddie Howe and Carlo Ancelotti, were never contacted.
The FA says they spoke to about ten candidates before they elected Tuchel. However, the number of English-speaking managers that it has assessed, is not known, although Howe, arguably the finest and most accomplished of the English-speaking head coaches in the Premier League has merely said no to a question whether he was interviewed. “No, I wasn’t,” Howe said.
Also, Ancelotti, another veteran manager with an extremely clear reputation, shared the same view as Howe, saying he hasn’t been contacted by the FA even just to get acquainted. The Italian tactician, who won the Champions League four times, talks highly of Tuchel and wishes him the best in his new position.
The absence of Howe and Ancelotti, not to mention a few high-profile English managers, draws much criticism and suspicion over how the FA selects for the role. Several have questioned whether it was that the FA preferred foreign coaches or the presence of other influences.
A possible explanation for the decision by FA was a need to have another direction and perspective. Tuchel is a past member of top clubs such as Chelsea, having had an experience of managing Bayern Munich.
But one man who fails to qualify from the lot is Howe, who has guided Newcastle United to some remarkable results and whose attribute as one of the brightest young English managers has left everybody confused. Amidst the qualities that make him a darling among fans and pundits alike is his developing young talent and commitment to playing attractive football.
The declaration by FA to have Tuchel must surely ruffle feathers, and merits of their selection process will continue to run up in the corridor for some time more. Why Howe and Ancelotti were ditched remains a question probably unsolved forever but Tuchel nevertheless heralds a new beginning for the England national team. Only time will tell whether the move pays off or not.
